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By taking unrestrained pets in the car, drivers are putting themselves at risk of potentially deadly distractions, The Sun reports.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly."

While breaking the Highway Code doesn't carry a direct penalty, drivers could still be pulled over for driving without due care and attention.

You could be handed a hefty £2,500 fine

This can result in a maximum fine of £2,500 and nine penalty points.

Should the breach of the Highway be extreme, then a compulsory ban and re-test could be enforced.

In the event an unrestrained pet has caused an accident, then an insurer is likely to refuse to pay out.